"He is unreal": Derrick White speaks exclusively about Olympics and Serbia, then mentions Jokic

The Serbian national basketball team is in Abu Dhabi, where they will play two friendly matches ahead of the Olympic Games.

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In the Emirates, Serbia will play against Australia and the US, and a Telegraf reporter attended the latter's training session.

There, apart from Steve Kerr, Steph Curry and Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, the guy who stepped in as a replacement for Kawhi Leonard, spoke to the press.

"Yes, it's a lot of change since those five years when I was with the World Cup team. So I'm excited to be here. Obviously playing with Drew and JT again is going to be a lot of fun. Just the whole team and the guys, I'm looking forward to getting out there and being with them. We're just trying to reach that goal that we have," White said.

He says he is happy to be with the team...

"Yes, I got the call and obviously I decided to talk to the family and try to figure out how we can make it work as quickly as we can. So I'm super thankful and grateful and excited to be here."

Photo: Tanjug / AP

Still, he knew there was that possibility...

"Yes, I kind of figured out. But I assumed Claw (Kawhi) was going to continue. But when I saw all that happen, I got the call and I was ready to go."

Everything happened fast...

"Yes, but I heard that he was trying to everything he could to play and so I was just trying to plan the rest of the summer. I just got here. I went to the room and tried to sleep a little. But I'm excited to see what Abu Dhabi has to offer."

He had other plans for the summer...

"Yeah, I was actually supposed to be in Cabo right now."

There was also time for basketball...

"I got a call and got back to the gym. But I felt good and ready to go."

He was at his camp in Colorado.

"Yes, I was in Colorado for about two or three weeks. Altitude training."

Over the years he has achieved growth...

"That was crazy. I go from select team to the World Cup team. Now I think I just continue to be better and better. This year I feel much more comfortable than back then. I'm excited to be here."

Photo: Tanjug/Ap

When it comes to the new season...

"I just want to go out there and do what I know. I'm trying to fill any holes we might have."

As for discussing things now with Steve Kerr...

"No, we haven't talked the role or anything yet. Like I said, I just got here. I'll just go out there and figure out where I need to be and hit the ground running."

He had the opportunity to play against Serbia five years ago...

"It was obviously a very talented team. Jokic, obviously, is unreal. A lot of talent in that team. A lot of talent from top to bottom. It's gonna be a high-level game."

The other teams are also very strong...

"Yes, it's exciting. That's what you come here for. You want to be at a high level and represent your country. I think every country's getting better year after year. It's gonna be a lot of fun."

Concerning pressure...

"Do I feel pressure? I think that comes with the territory. Every time you put on a USA basketball uniform, that's expected," said White.

(Telegraf.rs)